Share via

A corruption scandal engulfing GlaxoSmithKline’s business in China failed to deter the drugs company from awarding a big pay rise to its chief executive, who took home £7.2 million for last year.

Sir Andrew Witty’s remuneration leapt by 62 per cent, boosted by bonuses and performance payouts of £5.4 million, after the company had six new drugs approved, including medicines for melanoma, HIV and respiratory diseases.

GSK’s shares rose by 20 per cent last year and the company pointed out that it delivered its best financial return to investors since its creation through a merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline